Electric connector



S. N. BUCHANAN ELECTRIC CONNECTOR Feb 28, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 2, 1948 mmvroa STEPHEN M BUCHANAN Feb. 28, 19%

S. N. BUCHANAN ELECTRIC CONNECTOR Filed July 2, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 'IIIIIIIIIIII 1 f I 'INVENTOR.

STEPHEN N. BUCHANAN BY 1 A T TOR/VE Y.

Feb, 28, 1950 s. N. BUCHANAN 2,499,296

ELECTRIC CONNECTOR Filed July 2, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 avaain I N V EN TOR.

STEPHEN N. BUCHANAN ,4 T TORNEV.

Patented Feb. 28. 9 7

2,499,296 nrnc'rnrc CONNECTOR Stephen N. Buchanan, Westmoreland mus, Md

assignor to Buchanan Electrical Products Corporation, Elizabeth, N. 1., a corporation of New.

Jersey Application July 2, 1948, Serial No. 36,565

10 Claims. (01. 173-328) This application is a continuation-in-part of application serial Number 750,054, filed May 23, 1947. for Electrical connector, now abandoned.

This invention relates to electrical connectors and has special reference to connectors for automotive wiring installations. One of the objects of the invention is to provide a detachable connector especially adapted for use in connecting electrical conductors to terminals. Plug and socket connections have been used to a limited extent in various circuits in automotive wiring. An object of this invention is to provide an improved plug and socket connection in combination with a terminal lugso that in wiring an automobile the terminal lug may be connected to a terminal block or a particular part of the apparatus and subsequently the conductors may be connected thereto by plugging into the socket incorporated in the terminal lug. Another obvject-of the invention is to provide an improved detachablev connector which will -rnaintainadequate electrical contact notwithstanding-the efi'e'cts or rough usage, vibration and mechanical strain.

The wiring of automobiles has become very complex due to the large number of electrical devices used on the car and the many accessories that are available. It is the usual practice'to layout thewiringor the car and iorm all of the so semblyishown: in Fig. 13.

Referring to the drawings, 'Figs. -1 to show a conductors into a harness which is prefabricated and theninstalied inthe car during the assembly operation. Plugs and receptacles have been used to a limited extent where it is necessary to make connections at intermediate points in the wiring circuit. lZ-Iowever, plugs and receptacles have not been used to a greater ext'entbecause diiliculty has been experienced in loose connections as a result of vibration,- or mechanical strain. In accordance with myinvention an improved combined terminal lug and receptacle is provided -which, together with an improved plug,provide a. readily detachable connection that may be made at any point in the wiring circuit and at the terminals which will withstand considerable vibration and mechanicalstrain.

- Otherobjects and advantages will appear from I the description and drawings; in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view-showing a terminal lug and receptacle anda plug for. insertion into said receptacle;

. 'Flg;2'is a view-paruy-in-secuca'oranug and an electrical conductor connected thereto;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a terminal lug and receptacle;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view along lines 4-4 of Fig. 3; a

Fig. 5 is an end view of the terminal lug and receptacle shown in Fig. 3;

5 Fig. 6 is a side view partly in section showing a terminal lug and receptacle mounted on a terminal block and a plug connected to the receptale;

Fig. 'l is a plan view of a modified form or terminal lug and receptacle having a reinforcing ferrule secured to the end of the receptacle;

Fig. 8 is a section on line 8-8 of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a side view partly in section of the modified form of terminal lug and receptacle shown in Fig. 7 mounted on a terminal block with a plug connected to the receptacle;

Fig..10 is a side view of.a modified form of terminal lug and receptacle in which the receptacle extends at an angle to the terminal lug;

go a Fig. 11 is a view partly in section or a plug and sembly showing a plurality of terminal lugs and receptacles secured thereto; v

Fig. 14 is an end view of the terminal block assembly shown in Fig. 13; and

Fig. 15 is a side view of the terminal block ascombined terminal" lug and receptacle 20 and a plug 22. Combined terminal lug and receptacle 20 has a terminal lug or support 23 including a fiat contact portion 24 with an opening 26, up-

.standing shoulders 28 and 30 extending along the sides, and adepending tongue 32 as best indicated in Fig. 5. A cylindrical receptacle 34 is integrally connected'to the terminal lug 23 and 40- has three pairs of resilient fingers 36, "and 40 separated laterally by slots 42 and 44. The central pairof fingers 38 are provided with detents 46 that extend inwardly as best indicated in Fig. 4. The inner-palr of fingers 36 are less resilient thanthe two pairsi'oi fingers-38 and 40 because they are wider-and of shorter length. The pairs of fingers 40 and 38'being more resilient interpose less resistance to the insertion of plug 22 into receptacle 34 whereas fingers-3B being more 50 rigid provide a greater contact pressure and so ll sulation ill. A reduced end 52 is crimped or compressed into intimate contact and engagement with the bared end of conductor 48. As better indicated in Fig. 2. the connection of plug 22 to the electrical conductor 48 is preferably accomplished by a crimping operation in which a plurality of indentations 54 are produced which may be four in number, at points spaced from the opening of reduced end 52. Beneath the indentations 54 the strands of conductor 48 are compressed and a good electrical connection obtained between plug 22 and conductor 48. Due to the spacing of the indentations 54 from the opening of end 52 a bell-mouthed opening 58 is produced which provides a space for the reception of solder, if desired. to insure a better electrical connection between the strands of conductor 48 and plug 22. Barrel 41 is provided with an annular groove 58 intermediate its ends for cooperation with the detents 48 of fingers 38 to secure plug 22 in receptacle 34 against accidental removal as may be seen by reference to Fig. 6. A skirt 88 is formed at the end of barrel 41 which overlies a portion of the barrel and forms an annular space therearound for the reception of the end fingers 48 when plug 22 is located in receptacle 34 as shown in Fig. 6. Skirt 88 limits the radial expansion of fingers 48 and prevents damage to receptacle 34 by an angular pull on conductor 48 upon removal of plug 22 from receptacle 34. Should plug 22 be removed at an angle to the center line of receptacle 34 it might expand some or all of the three pairs of fingers 38, 38 and 48 beyond their elastic limit permanently deforming the receptacle 34.

Referring to Fig. 6, combined terminal lug and receptacle 28 is shown mounted on a terminal block 82 of insulating material. A rivet 84 serves to secure the combined terminal lug and receptacle 28 to terminal block 82 and also connects terminal lug or support 23 to a connecting strip 88 which may be connected at its opposite end, not shown, to another terminal or an electrical device. Tongue 32 of terminal lug or support 23 extends into an opening 88 provided in terminal block 82 and prevents lateral movement of combined terminal lug and receptacle 28.

In Figs. '1 to 9, a modified form of combined terminal lug and receptacle 18 is shown having a terminal lug or support portion 12 and a receptacle portion 14. Terminal lug or support 12 corresponds in construction to the form of terminal lug or support shown in Figs. 1 to 5. Receptacle 14 is provided with three pairs of resilient fingers 16, 18 and 88, separated laterally by slots 82 and 84, respectively. Receptacle 14 is enlarged at its free end over which is provided a ferrule 86. Ferrule 88 surrounds fingers 88 and limits their radial expansion to prevent an angular pull on a plug 88 connected to receptacle 14 deforming the pairs of fingers 18, 18 and 88 upon the removal of plug 88. Fingers 88 are larger in diameter than fingers 18 and 18 and. as indicated in Fig. 8, are turned in at their free ends 88 to resiliently engage plug 88. Ferrule 88 is secured to receptacle 14 by means of two detents 88 extending into slot 84 at the base of fingers 88 as indicated in Fig. 8. A shoulder 82 of ferrule 88 abuts the end of receptacle 14. De-

tents 88 may be formed in ferrule 88 after it is located in position over the end of receptacle 14 of means of a crimping operation. By the provision of ferrule 88 on receptacle 14 the necessity for the skirt 88 as provided on plug 22 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is eliminated and instead plug 88 of Fig. 9 is provided with a shoulder 88 which serves to stop plug 88 on its insertion into receptacle 14.

Referring to Fig. 9, a combined terminal lug and receptacle 18 of the form shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is mounted on a terminal block 88. A rivet I88 serves to secure terminal lug or support 12 to terminal block 88 and to connect it to a fuse clip I82.

In Fig. 10 a modified form of combined terminal lug and receptacle I84 is shown similar in construction to the form shown in Figs. 7 to 9 except that the terminal lug or support portion I88 extends at an angle to the receptacle I88 to permit closer spacing of receptacles as will be better understood upon reference to Figs. 13 to 15.

In Fig. 11, plug 8i is connected to electrical conductor 83 provided with insulation 85. The electrical connection is made by crimping or compressing at the small end 81 and, additionally, the plug 8i is crimped at 89 engaging the insulation and providing a strain relief at the point of connection of the plug 8| to the conductor 83 at 81, the strain of removing a plug being taken at the point 88.

In Fig. 12. a plug IN is connected to a larger size conductor I83 provided with insulation I85. The conductor I83 is too large to enter the reduced end I81 of the plug l8! and is connected by compressing or crimping at I88.

In Figs. 13 to 15, a portion of a terminal block assembly H8 is shown with a plurality of combined terminal lugs and receptacles mounted thereon of the forms shown in Figs. 7 to 10. Obviously the form shown in Figs. 1 to 6 could be substituted therefor. On the top of terminal block H2 five straight terminal lugs and receptacles H3, H4, H5, H8 and H1 are secured along the edge and three angular terminal lugs and receptacles H8, H8 and I28 are secured in a second and third row spaced from the edge. By using angular terminal lugs and receptacles, any desired number of terminals can be mounted in successive rows on the same terminal block without danger of creating short circuits. Terminal lugs and receptacles H4, H5 and H8 are connected respectively to three straight terminal lugs and receptacles I2I, I22 and I 23 mounted on the under side of block H2. Terminal lug and receptacle H3 is connected by means of a contact strip I24 to another terminal mounted on block H2. Terminal lug and receptacle H1 is connected to two electrical conductors I25 and I28 which may be connected to other terminals or directly to electrical devices. Angular terminal lug and receptacle H8 is connected directly to a fuse clip I21 by means of a contact strip I28 to a second fuse clip I28. An-

.gular terminal lug and receptacle H8 is connected to a fuse clip I38 and angular terminal lug and receptacle I28 is connected to fuse clip I3I and by means of contact strip I124 to straight terminal lug and receptacle H3. Fuse clips I21 and I38 and similarly fuse clips I29 and I3I are m positioned as to be adapted to receive between them a fuse for interconnecting the circuits connected thereto.

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical connector comprising in combination a receptacle provided with a supporting portion having a central web whereby said receptacle may be securely fixed on a support, a plug receiving portion having an inner, outer and intermediate pair of resilient fingers separated by transverse slots and a longitudinal slot, the transverse slot separating said inner and intermediate pair of fingers being of less extent than the transverse slot separating said outer and intermediate pair of fingers whereby said outer pair of fingers is relatively more flexible than said inner pair of fingers, said intermediate pair of fingers being provided with inwardly extending detents and a plug having tubular portion for surrounding an electrical conductor, a reduced end on said tubular portion for intimately engaging a bared end of said conductor whereby said plug may be securely fixed thereon, a groove in said tubular portion intermediate the ends thereof and a skirt extending from the opposite end of said tubular portion and overlying a part thereof to provide a recess whereby upon engagement of said plug with said receptacle said inner pair of fingers will tightly grip said tubular portion, said detents will engage said groove to prevent inadvertent separation of said plug and said receptacle and said outer pair of fingers will be disposed in said recess whereby excessive radial movement and permanent deformation of said outer pair of fingers will be prevented.

2. An electrical connector comprising in combination a receptacle provided with means for securing the same to a support, a plug receiving portion having an inner, outer and intermediate pair of resilient fingers separated by transverse slots and a longitudinal slot, the transverse slot separating said inner and intermediate pair of fingers being of less extent than the transverse slot separating said outer and intermediate pair of fingers whereby said outer pair of fingers is relatively more flexible than said inner pair of fingers, said intermediate pair of fingers being provided with inwardly extending detents and a plug having a tubular portion for surrounding an electrical conductor, means for fixing said plug tion intermediate the ends thereof and a skirt extending from the opposite end of said tubular portion and overlying a part thereof to provide a recess whereby upon engagement of said plug with said receptacle said inner pair of fingers will tightly grip said tubular portion, said detents will engage said groove to prevent inadvertent separation of said plug and said receptacle and said outer pair of fingers will be disposed in said recess whereby excessive radial movement and permanent deformation of said outer pair of fingers will be prevented.

3. An electrical connector comprising in combination, a receptacle provided with means for securing the same to a support, a plug receiving portion having an inner. outer and intermediate pair of resilient fingers separated by transverse slots and a longitudinal slot, said intermediate pair of fingers being provided with inwardly extending detents and a plug having a tubular portion for surrounding an electrical conductor,

' means for fixing said plug on said conductor, a

groove in said tubular portion intermediate the ends thereof and a skirt extending from one end of said tubular portion and overlying a part thereof to provide a recess whereby upon engagement of said plug with said receptacle said. de-' tents will engage said groove to prevent inadvertent separation of said plug and said receptacle and said outer pair of fingers will be disposed m said recess whereby excessive radial movement and permanent deformation of said outer pair of fingers will be prevented.

4. An electrical receptacle comprising a support having a central web, longitudinally extending upturned side flanges, a downwardly ex-' said web whereby said receptacle may be securely fixed on a support, a plug receiving portion integral with said support portion having an inner, outer and intermediate pair of resilient fingers separated by transverse slots and a longitudinal slot, the transverse slot separating said inner and intermediate pair of fingers being of less extent than the transverse slot separating said outer and intermediate pair of fingers whereby said outer pair of fingers is relatively more flexible than said inner pair of fingers, said intermediate pair of fingers being provided with inwardly extending detents and a ferrule surrounding said outer pair of fingers to limit radial expansion thereof.

5. An electrical receptacle comprising a support having a central web, longitudinally extending upturned side flanges, a downwardly extending tongue at one end and an aperture in said web whereby said receptacle may be securely fixed on a support, a plug receiving portion integral with said support portion having an inner, outer and intermediate pair of resilient fingers separated by transverse slots and a longitudinal slot, the transverse slot separting said inner and intermediate pair of fingers being of less extent than the transverse slot separating said outer and intermediate pair of fingers whereby said outer pair of fingers is relatively more flexible than said inner pair of fingers, and said intermediate pair of fingers being provided with inwardly extending detents.

6. An electrical receptacle comprising a support portion having a central web and an aperture in said web whereby said receptacle may be securely fixed on a support, a plug receiving portion integral with said support portion having an inner, outer and intermediate pair of resilient fingers separated by transverse slots and a longitudinal slot, the transverse slot separating said inner and intermediate pair of fingers being of less extent than the transverse slot separating said outer and intermediate pair of fingers wher'eby said outer pair of fingers is relatively more flexible than said inner pair of fingers and said intermediate pair of fingers being provided with inwardly extending detents.

'7. An electrical receptacle including a plug receiving portion having an inner, outer and intermediate pair of resilient fingers separated by transverse slots and a longitudinal slot, the

transverse slot separating said inner and intermediate pair of fingers being of less extent than the transverse slot separating said outer andintermediate pair of fingers whereby said outer pair of fingers is relatively more flexible than said inner pair of fingers and'said intermediate pair of fingers being provided with inwardly extending detents.

8. An electrical plug comprising a tubular portion having an annular groove intermediate the ends thereof, a reduced end for engaging a conductor and securing said plug thereto and a skirt extending from the opposite end of said tubular portion and overlying a part thereof to provide an annular recess.

9. An electrical plug comprising a tubular portion having a groove intermediate the ends thereof, a reduced end for engaging a conductor and securing said plug thereto and a skirt extending from the opposite end of said tubular portion and overlying a part thereof to provide a recess.

10. An electrical plug comprising a tubular portion having an annular groove intermediate tending tongue at one end and an aperture in the ends thereof, a second annular groove the inner wall or which is adapted to engage a conductor to secure said plug thereto and a skirt extending from one end 01' said tubular portion and overlying a. part thereof to provide an annular recess.

STEPHEN N. BUCHANAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are or record in the tile 01 this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 731,400 Worthington June 16,1903 1,164,191 Johanlnxmyer Dec. 14, 1915' 1,217,964 Lamb Mar. 0, 1917 Number 8 Name Date Douglas Mar. 1'1, 1936 Catron et al Sept. 27, 1939 Douglas Jan. 17. 1939 Boron: Mar. 4, 1941 Parker July 7, 1942 Real Oct. 27, 1942 Watts Oct. 29, 1946 Bergen Sept. 9, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date England Oct. 12, 1934 England Apr. 11, 1935 Switzerland Jan. 5, 1942 a Disclaimer 2,499,296.8tephen N. Buchanan, Westmoreland Hills, Md. ELECTRIC CON- NECTOR. Patent dated Feb. 28, 1950. Disclaimer filed Dec. 18, 1951, by the inventor; the assignee, Buchanan Electrical Products Corporatz'on, consenting. I Hereby enters this disclaimer to claims 4, 5, 6, and 7 of said patent.

[Oyfiaz'al Gazette Jan/wary 15, 1952.] 

